ISL 2024-25: FC Goa Dominates Hyderabad FC in Manolo Marquez’s Milestone Match

Hyderabad, Dec 4 (NationPress) FC Goa clinched a solid 2-0 win against Hyderabad FC at the G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Wednesday, providing a remarkable tribute to their head coach Manolo Marquez on his 100th match in the league.

First-half goals from Udanta Singh and Iker Guarrotxena propelled the Gaurs to their fourth consecutive victory in the tournament as they maintained excellent control over the game. The visitors showcased confidence in possession, discovering innovative ways to penetrate the Hyderabad FC defense. The Gaurs worked cohesively, advancing through the flanks and capitalizing on their opportunities when Udanta and Guarrotxena displayed precise finishing in the 33rd and 44th minutes of the match, respectively.

Udanta’s opening goal was set up by his teammate Mohammad Yasir, who made a crucial pass after receiving the ball and driving past the Hyderabad FC midfield and defense on the right side. Cutting inward from the wing, he found Udanta in a promising scoring position in the center of the 18-yard box. Yasir delivered a perfectly timed pass, allowing Udanta to finish at the bottom left corner, marking the night’s first goal.

Just eleven minutes later, Yasir played a vital role again, leading to the second goal. He surged with the ball to the edge of the box from the right flank and passed to Armando Sadiku. Sadiku, displaying remarkable awareness, back-heeled the ball into the path of Guarrotxena, who finished with power into the bottom left corner, extending the lead and securing the three points.

In the second half, Hyderabad FC made attempts to change the scoreline but fell short. Soyal Joshy attempted a long-range shot in the 50th minute, which was saved by FC Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari.

Moments later, Cy Goddard and Andrei Alba collaborated to challenge the Gaurs’ defense, but their effort was imprecise as Alba’s shot missed the target. Late in the match, substitutes Allan Paulista and Isaac Vanmalsawma sought to create quick chances, but a disciplined FC Goa defense ensured they maintained a clean sheet.